What to Have for Dinner

Ever have one of those nights when you are REALLY tired, don't want to put much of an effort into more than making a cocktail, and yet want something tastier than a box of mac-n-cheese for supper?

This would be one of those nights - though I have GOT to go to the grocery store, and I have a rather ambitious grocery list in front of me. The result of going too many weeks without stocking the house with anything.

I did make something rather tasty last week with some remnants from my fridge that I may have to repeat tonight. Very simple, something that I can tell myself is healthy, and something that created leftover items that perhaps should be labeled as 'prep work' for later dishes so that it sounds a bit more appetizing.

After finding some shockingly fresh asparagus that had been lurking in the vegetable drawer for more than a week, I decided on an open face, roasted asparagus sandwich.

– Turned the oven on about 400 and then broke all of the woody ends off the asparagus – Lined a sheet pan with foil - Tossed the spears in a couple of teaspoons of olive oil, coarse salt and pepper - And then spread them out in a single layer and stuck them in the oven.

The making of a cocktail works well while waiting for them to roast - just until they turn bright green, start to get a little brown around the edges, and the tips get a little frazzled. When they come out squeeze half a lemon over them, or use some balsamic vinegar - They need a bit of acid to brighten up the flavor.

Next came the 'sandwich' assembly - Since it was on a pita, I don't really consider it a sandwich - It was more like a mock pizza. Slightly toasted slice of pita, single layer of asparagus, slices of mozzarella - A few minutes under the broiler until the cheese starts to bubble and brown, and there you are.

Tasty dinner - and the leftover asparagus is good for later. I think this one might just do the trick again tonight.

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I, too, have failed in the task of getting to the store this week. We have little in the house, and after being on vacation, all the stuff in the fridge is wilted or growing arms. I had great intentions of stopping by the grocery on my way home from work last night, but in the end found myself bypassing the store for my patio and a sweet tea.

Our freezer did have something to offer for dinner, though. I thawed some fish and doctored it up with coriander, cumin, cayenne and chili powder. It went under the broiler while the last cans of diced tomatoes and rotel made their way to the blender with some herbs for a quick salsa.

Luckily, my husband was able to pick up lettuce, cheese and tomato at the store on his way home, and we tossed it all together for what we've decided to call a gourmet fish taco salad with white corn chips and 'fresh' salsa (He also picked up a bag of Tostitos). Fancy.

It turned out pretty well - but today I find myself back in the same boat - no groceries, no list and no real desire to shop. The difference today is that my remaining canned goods are chick peas and corn - not too much I care to do with those for dinner.

Which means that this evening, it's either groceries or pizza. I'm thinking pizza.